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emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I had high expectations for this book and sadly I was let down. Having read Sorcery of Thorns back in January and LOVING it, I thought it would be a similar experience here. In reality, this book was really underwhelming. The plot was incredibly weak, relying on the romance to carry it. But I couldn't get behind the romance, either, as it's an Edward-Bella situation where the guy, Rook, is at least a centenarian, and the girl Isobel is only 17. It was also instalove, which I really don't like. Finally, there were also unresolved elements once the book had ended. While Rook and Isobel end up being "legally" together as the Good Law no longer exists, Isobel is still a mortal who will age and die and this was never really addressed. Also, nothing was really done with the storyline relating to painting the Fair Folk with human emotions, and how they responded to that.
However, this book had some redeeming qualities. It was relatively enjoyable, and very easy to read. I also liked Rogerson's writing style. Rook and Isobel as characters were entertaining and felt real, though they weren't quite loveable (although March and May were). Finally, the world building was unique and fascinating, as it was in Sorcery of Thorns.
However, this book had some redeeming qualities. It was relatively enjoyable, and very easy to read. I also liked Rogerson's writing style. Rook and Isobel as characters were entertaining and felt real, though they weren't quite loveable (although March and May were). Finally, the world building was unique and fascinating, as it was in Sorcery of Thorns.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Body horror, Death, Death of parent, and Vomit
Minor: Ableism, Alcohol, Animal death, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicide
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